LYON'S: Once a national chain with many spots in the Bay Area, including my late 1980s hangout near Kings Bowl in Millbrae. I was cool with the goth kids who went to Lyon's -- a key constituency in my rise to Burlingame High senior class vice-president. Pictured: The San Bruno location in 1986.

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LYON'S: Once a national chain with many spots in the Bay Area, including my late 1980s hangout near Kings Bowl in Millbrae. I was cool with the goth kids who went to Lyon's -- a key constituency in my rise to Burlingame High senior class vice-president. Pictured: The San Bruno location in 1986.

LYON'S: Once a national chain with many spots in the Bay Area,...including my late 1980s hangout near Kings Bowl in Millbrae. I was...cool with the goth kids who went to Lyon's -- a key constituency in my...rise to Burlingame High senior class vice-president. Pictured: The San...Bruno location in 1986.

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Peter Hartlaub / The Chronicle

LYON'S (NOW):I was sad to learn the last Lyon's closed in 2012. Why did the 24-hour diner chain fail? Based on my experience, there were too many teenagers who drove wait staff crazy -- hogging an eight-top for three hours, then leaving a 7 percent tip on a bill for $19.50. RIP Lyon's.

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LYON'S (NOW):I was sad to learn the last Lyon's closed in 2012. Why did the 24-hour diner chain fail? Based on my experience, there were too many teenagers who drove wait staff crazy -- hogging an eight-top for three hours, then leaving a 7 percent tip on a bill for $19.50. RIP Lyon's.

LYON'S (NOW):I was sad to learn the last Lyon's closed in 2012. Why...did the 24-hour diner chain fail? Based on my experience, there were...too many teenagers who drove wait staff crazy -- hogging an eight-top...for three hours, then leaving a 7 percent tip on a bill for $19.50....RIP Lyon's.

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Gary Fong / The Chronicle

SAMBO'S: I still find it stunning that this place existed. Among my racially charged memories of the Sambo's in Millbrae was a kids menu that included "The Legend of Sambo," with what looked like a small black child turning a tiger into butter. Pictured: Sambo's on Lombard Street, 1975.

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SAMBO'S: I still find it stunning that this place existed. Among my racially charged memories of the Sambo's in Millbrae was a kids menu that included "The Legend of Sambo," with what looked like a small black child turning a tiger into butter. Pictured: Sambo's on Lombard Street, 1975.

SAMBO'S: I still find it stunning that this place existed. Among my...racially charged memories of the Sambo's in Millbrae was a kids menu...that included "The Legend of Sambo," with what looked like a small...black child turning a tiger into butter. Pictured: Sambo's on Lombard...Street, 1975.

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Peter Hartlaub / The Chronicle

SAMBO'S (NOW): The chain was actually named after Samuel Battistone and Newell Bohnett, but the use of the "Sambo" myth in marketing became a huge liability. There's just one left now, in Santa Barbara. I shot this photo from the fourth floor of the Presidio Inn. The Motel Lanai is gone.

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SAMBO'S (NOW): The chain was actually named after Samuel Battistone and Newell Bohnett, but the use of the "Sambo" myth in marketing became a huge liability. There's just one left now, in Santa Barbara. I shot this photo from the fourth floor of the Presidio Inn. The Motel Lanai is gone.

SAMBO'S (NOW): The chain was actually named after Samuel Battistone...and Newell Bohnett, but the use of the "Sambo" myth in marketing...became a huge liability. There's just one left now, in Santa Barbara....I shot this photo from the fourth floor of the Presidio Inn. The Motel...Lanai is gone.

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Chris Stewart / The Chronicle

KERRY'S: Kerry's Lounge and Restaurant was on Army Street near Van Ness. I remember the sign was very prominent when we would drive by it on the way to my aunt's place in Noe Valley. Note the plentiful parking, which you rarely find anywhere in SF any more. Pictured in 1986.

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KERRY'S: Kerry's Lounge and Restaurant was on Army Street near Van Ness. I remember the sign was very prominent when we would drive by it on the way to my aunt's place in Noe Valley. Note the plentiful parking, which you rarely find anywhere in SF any more. Pictured in 1986.

KERRY'S: Kerry's Lounge and Restaurant was on Army Street near Van...Ness. I remember the sign was very prominent when we would drive by it...on the way to my aunt's place in Noe Valley. Note the plentiful...parking, which you rarely find anywhere in SF any more. Pictured in...1986.

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Peter Hartlaub / The Chronicle

KERRY'S (NOW): This 3330 Army St. address is a housing development. It's a pretty nice neighborhood now -- right on the edge of La Lengua. Thanks to David Gallagher, who wrote in to point out that Kerry's was to the left of this service station. (I originally got it wrong.)

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KERRY'S (NOW): This 3330 Army St. address is a housing development. It's a pretty nice neighborhood now -- right on the edge of La Lengua. Thanks to David Gallagher, who wrote in to point out that Kerry's was to the left of this service station. (I originally got it wrong.)

KERRY'S (NOW): This 3330 Army St. address is a housing development....It's a pretty nice neighborhood now -- right on the edge of La Lengua....Thanks to David Gallagher, who wrote in to point out that Kerry's was...to the left of this service station. (I originally got it wrong.)

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Jerry Telfer / The Chronicle

BIFF'S COFFEE SHOP: This Oakland institution at Broadway and 27th had an interesting circular architecture and a loyal customer base. It closed in the 1990s to great sadness -- there's still a web site devoted to memories. I would take my kids here every week. Pictured in 1990.

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BIFF'S COFFEE SHOP: This Oakland institution at Broadway and 27th had an interesting circular architecture and a loyal customer base. It closed in the 1990s to great sadness -- there's still a web site devoted to memories. I would take my kids here every week. Pictured in 1990.

BIFF'S COFFEE SHOP: This Oakland institution at Broadway and 27th had...an interesting circular architecture and a loyal customer base. It...closed in the 1990s to great sadness -- there's still a web site...devoted to memories. I would take my kids here every week. Pictured in...1990.

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Peter Hartlaub / The Chronicle

BIFF'S (NOW): It's boarded up and I suspect the inside is filled with squatters. A nearby car lot uses the space as well. Biff's must rise again! It's the perfect place for Uptown hipsters to stumble toward after a long night of concerts/bar crawling/art murmurs.

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BIFF'S (NOW): It's boarded up and I suspect the inside is filled with squatters. A nearby car lot uses the space as well. Biff's must rise again! It's the perfect place for Uptown hipsters to stumble toward after a long night of concerts/bar crawling/art murmurs.

BIFF'S (NOW): It's boarded up and I suspect the inside is filled with...squatters. A nearby car lot uses the space as well. Biff's must rise...again! It's the perfect place for Uptown hipsters to stumble toward...after a long night of concerts/bar crawling/art murmurs.

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Jerry Telfer and Peter Hartlaub / The Chronicle

BIFF'S: Another then and now look at the sign, which has a Milk Farm vibe. After the business closed, Biff's was almost turned into a Chevron Station. It was saved from demolition in the 1990s, but remains abandoned. There's a Friends of Biff's blog that hasn't been updated in a while.

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BIFF'S: Another then and now look at the sign, which has a Milk Farm vibe. After the business closed, Biff's was almost turned into a Chevron Station. It was saved from demolition in the 1990s, but remains abandoned. There's a Friends of Biff's blog that hasn't been updated in a while.

BIFF'S: Another then and now look at the sign, which has a Milk Farm...vibe. After the business closed, Biff's was almost turned into a...Chevron Station. It was saved from demolition in the 1990s, but...remains abandoned. There's a Friends of Biff's blog that hasn't been...updated in a while.

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Peter Hartlaub / The Chronicle

BIFF'S: A look at the homeless camp next to the restaurant. The outside is intact, but filled with graffiti and other signs of neglect. Most of this is cosmetic, and I'm hopeful the inside looks better. This could be the latest great restoration success story in Uptown Oakland.

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BIFF'S: A look at the homeless camp next to the restaurant. The outside is intact, but filled with graffiti and other signs of neglect. Most of this is cosmetic, and I'm hopeful the inside looks better. This could be the latest great restoration success story in Uptown Oakland.

BIFF'S: A look at the homeless camp next to the restaurant. The...outside is intact, but filled with graffiti and other signs of...neglect. Most of this is cosmetic, and I'm hopeful the inside looks...better. This could be the latest great restoration success story in...Uptown Oakland.

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Susan Ehmer / The Chronicle

DOGGIE DINER: How many of you were thinking "But where is Doggie Diner?" We didn't forget. This is the Van Ness location, one of several throughout the city. Not saying it would be everyone's first choice after a night at the opera, but it was nice to have the option. Pictured in 1978.

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DOGGIE DINER: How many of you were thinking "But where is Doggie Diner?" We didn't forget. This is the Van Ness location, one of several throughout the city. Not saying it would be everyone's first choice after a night at the opera, but it was nice to have the option. Pictured in 1978.

DOGGIE DINER: How many of you were thinking "But where is Doggie...Diner?" We didn't forget. This is the Van Ness location, one of...several throughout the city. Not saying it would be everyone's first...choice after a night at the opera, but it was nice to have the option....Pictured in 1978.

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Peter Hartlaub / The Chronicle

DOGGIE DINER (NOW): A huge concrete monstrosity housing a Max's and Landmark's Opera Plaza theater fills the spot, destroying the view of the neighborhood in the process. As we learned in the Auto Row: Then and Now gallery, visually speaking this area has not changed for the better.

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DOGGIE DINER (NOW): A huge concrete monstrosity housing a Max's and Landmark's Opera Plaza theater fills the spot, destroying the view of the neighborhood in the process. As we learned in the Auto Row: Then and Now gallery, visually speaking this area has not changed for the better.

DOGGIE DINER (NOW): A huge concrete monstrosity housing a Max's and...Landmark's Opera Plaza theater fills the spot, destroying the view of...the neighborhood in the process. As we learned in the Auto Row: Then...and Now gallery, visually speaking this area has not changed for the...better.

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Liz Hafalia / The Chronicle

CAROUSEL RESTAURANT: The last Doggie Diner head remained on Sloat Boulevard in San Francisco, even after it changed into a Carousel Restaurant. This is the Doggie Diner I remember the most, seeing it from our bus when we drove from the Peninsula to visit the SF Zoo. Pictured in 1996.

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CAROUSEL RESTAURANT: The last Doggie Diner head remained on Sloat Boulevard in San Francisco, even after it changed into a Carousel Restaurant. This is the Doggie Diner I remember the most, seeing it from our bus when we drove from the Peninsula to visit the SF Zoo. Pictured in 1996.

CAROUSEL RESTAURANT: The last Doggie Diner head remained on Sloat...Boulevard in San Francisco, even after it changed into a Carousel...Restaurant. This is the Doggie Diner I remember the most, seeing it...from our bus when we drove from the Peninsula to visit the SF Zoo....Pictured in 1996.

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Peter Hartlaub / The Chronicle

DOGGIE DINER HEAD (NOW): Apologies for the horrible photo, but I wanted an image that captured some of the old restaurant's footprint and also the location of the repurposed Doggie Diner head. It's a block away from its original location along the Sloat Boulevard median.

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DOGGIE DINER HEAD (NOW): Apologies for the horrible photo, but I wanted an image that captured some of the old restaurant's footprint and also the location of the repurposed Doggie Diner head. It's a block away from its original location along the Sloat Boulevard median.

DOGGIE DINER HEAD (NOW): Apologies for the horrible photo, but I...wanted an image that captured some of the old restaurant's footprint...and also the location of the repurposed Doggie Diner head. It's a...block away from its original location along the Sloat Boulevard...median.

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Jerry Telfer / The Chronicle

ZIM'S HAMBURGERS: This location at 19th and Taraval in San Francisco was "closed for renovation," but in reality there was a prolonged strike. Lots of fond memories from readers -- Zim's was one of the most requested restaurants when we wrote a Lost Landmarks post. Pictured in 1978.

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ZIM'S HAMBURGERS: This location at 19th and Taraval in San Francisco was "closed for renovation," but in reality there was a prolonged strike. Lots of fond memories from readers -- Zim's was one of the most requested restaurants when we wrote a Lost Landmarks post. Pictured in 1978.

ZIM'S HAMBURGERS: This location at 19th and Taraval in San Francisco...was "closed for renovation," but in reality there was a prolonged...strike. Lots of fond memories from readers -- Zim's was one of the...most requested restaurants when we wrote a Lost Landmarks post....Pictured in 1978.

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Peter Hartlaub / The Chronicle

ZIM'S HAMBURGERS (NOW): At the peak of the chain's 46-year run, there were 20 Zim's in the Bay Area; the last Zimburger was served in the mid-1990s. The restaurant on Taraval was probably the best known, due to its location on the busiest corridor in the city. It's a sushi place now.

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ZIM'S HAMBURGERS (NOW): At the peak of the chain's 46-year run, there were 20 Zim's in the Bay Area; the last Zimburger was served in the mid-1990s. The restaurant on Taraval was probably the best known, due to its location on the busiest corridor in the city. It's a sushi place now.

ZIM'S HAMBURGERS (NOW): At the peak of the chain's 46-year run, there...were 20 Zim's in the Bay Area; the last Zimburger was served in the...mid-1990s. The restaurant on Taraval was probably the best known, due...to its location on the busiest corridor in the city. It's a sushi...place now.

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Chronicle file

CLINTON CAFETERIA: Clinton Cafeteria was a popular chain in Los Angeles and San Francisco. This location was at 18 Powell Street, close to the cable car turnaround. Pictured in 1950.

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CLINTON CAFETERIA: Clinton Cafeteria was a popular chain in Los Angeles and San Francisco. This location was at 18 Powell Street, close to the cable car turnaround. Pictured in 1950.

CLINTON CAFETERIA: Clinton Cafeteria was a popular chain in Los...Angeles and San Francisco. This location was at 18 Powell Street,...close to the cable car turnaround. Pictured in 1950.

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Peter Hartlaub / The Chronicle

CLINTON CAFETERIA (NOW): Like everything else in the world, this storefront has been turned into The Gap. Most of the facade has been changed, although some of the stonework from the top of the Clinton remains.

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CLINTON CAFETERIA (NOW): Like everything else in the world, this storefront has been turned into The Gap. Most of the facade has been changed, although some of the stonework from the top of the Clinton remains.

CLINTON CAFETERIA (NOW): Like everything else in the world, this...storefront has been turned into The Gap. Most of the facade has been...changed, although some of the stonework from the top of the Clinton...remains.

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Joseph J. Rosenthal / The Chronicle

CLINTON CAFETERIA: This Clinton Cafeteria restaurant at 1059 Market Street closed in late 1972. The photo was taken by the Chronicle's Joe Rosenthal, of "Raising the Flag at Iwo Jima" fame. Pictured in 1973.

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CLINTON CAFETERIA: This Clinton Cafeteria restaurant at 1059 Market Street closed in late 1972. The photo was taken by the Chronicle's Joe Rosenthal, of "Raising the Flag at Iwo Jima" fame. Pictured in 1973.

CLINTON CAFETERIA: This Clinton Cafeteria restaurant at 1059 Market...Street closed in late 1972. The photo was taken by the Chronicle's Joe...Rosenthal, of "Raising the Flag at Iwo Jima" fame. Pictured in 1973.

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Peter Hartlaub / The Chronicle

CLINTON CAFETERIA (NOW): I got excited when I came upon the 1000 block of Market, because it looked like Clinton Cafeteria might have been replaced by the XXX Market Street Cinema. Alas, it's next door and this electronics store is there instead.

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CLINTON CAFETERIA (NOW): I got excited when I came upon the 1000 block of Market, because it looked like Clinton Cafeteria might have been replaced by the XXX Market Street Cinema. Alas, it's next door and this electronics store is there instead.

CLINTON CAFETERIA (NOW): I got excited when I came upon the 1000 block...of Market, because it looked like Clinton Cafeteria might have been...replaced by the XXX Market Street Cinema. Alas, it's next door and...this electronics store is there instead.

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Courtesy Dickey and Harleen Studios

MANNING'S COFFEE CAFE: Another well-remembered fixture in San Francisco, Manning's had some great signage. This restaurant opened near the corner of Fifth and Market streets on Jun. 11, 1954.

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MANNING'S COFFEE CAFE: Another well-remembered fixture in San Francisco, Manning's had some great signage. This restaurant opened near the corner of Fifth and Market streets on Jun. 11, 1954.

MANNING'S COFFEE CAFE: Another well-remembered fixture in San...Francisco, Manning's had some great signage. This restaurant opened...near the corner of Fifth and Market streets on Jun. 11, 1954.

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Peter Hartlaub / The Chronicle

MANNING'S COFFEE CAFE (NOW): I'm not 100 percent sure about this location -- the block has been completely changed by the addition of BART and the Westfield Center. My best guess, based on the address, is that the Manning's was in the footprint of this Abercrombie & Fitch.

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MANNING'S COFFEE CAFE (NOW): I'm not 100 percent sure about this location -- the block has been completely changed by the addition of BART and the Westfield Center. My best guess, based on the address, is that the Manning's was in the footprint of this Abercrombie & Fitch.

MANNING'S COFFEE CAFE (NOW): I'm not 100 percent sure about this...location -- the block has been completely changed by the addition of...BART and the Westfield Center. My best guess, based on the address, is...that the Manning's was in the footprint of this Abercrombie & Fitch.

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Peter Hartlaub / The Chronicle

BAY CITY GRILL: This spot at 15 Turk Street was arguably more of an upscale restaurant than a diner, but I fell in love with the Ferry Building image on the sign. Pictured in 1955.

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BAY CITY GRILL: This spot at 15 Turk Street was arguably more of an upscale restaurant than a diner, but I fell in love with the Ferry Building image on the sign. Pictured in 1955.

BAY CITY GRILL: This spot at 15 Turk Street was arguably more of an...upscale restaurant than a diner, but I fell in love with the Ferry...Building image on the sign. Pictured in 1955.

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Google Maps (2011)

BAY CITY GRILL (NOW): In three years shooting then-and-now images, I've never feared for my safety. But this spot off Market is one of the most dangerous I've seen in the city. If I pulled out a $900 camera, I'm 70-80 percent sure I would have been robbed. I used a Google Street View

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BAY CITY GRILL (NOW): In three years shooting then-and-now images, I've never feared for my safety. But this spot off Market is one of the most dangerous I've seen in the city. If I pulled out a $900 camera, I'm 70-80 percent sure I would have been robbed. I used a Google Street View

BAY CITY GRILL (NOW): In three years shooting then-and-now images,...I've never feared for my safety. But this spot off Market is one of...the most dangerous I've seen in the city. If I pulled out a $900...camera, I'm 70-80 percent sure I would have been robbed. I used a...Google Street View

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Greg Peterson / The Chronicle

FOSTERS: My mother tells me stories of Fosters, a popular diner chain that had 20-plus locations throughout the Bay Area -- shown here at Fifth and Jessie streets in San Francisco. According to my mom: "I was a little kid and wouldn't eat anything, and I would eat a Fosters burger."

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FOSTERS: My mother tells me stories of Fosters, a popular diner chain that had 20-plus locations throughout the Bay Area -- shown here at Fifth and Jessie streets in San Francisco. According to my mom: "I was a little kid and wouldn't eat anything, and I would eat a Fosters burger."

FOSTERS: My mother tells me stories of Fosters, a popular diner chain...that had 20-plus locations throughout the Bay Area -- shown here at...Fifth and Jessie streets in San Francisco. According to my mom: "I was...a little kid and wouldn't eat anything, and I would eat a Fosters...burger."

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Peter Hartlaub

FOSTERS (NOW): This area next door to the Old Mint has undergone a revitalization. Latte Express is a popular place with San Francisco Chronicle employees. I go there occasionally for the Vietnamese sandwiches.

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FOSTERS (NOW): This area next door to the Old Mint has undergone a revitalization. Latte Express is a popular place with San Francisco Chronicle employees. I go there occasionally for the Vietnamese sandwiches.

FOSTERS (NOW): This area next door to the Old Mint has undergone a...revitalization. Latte Express is a popular place with San Francisco...Chronicle employees. I go there occasionally for the Vietnamese...sandwiches.

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Chronicle file

THE PRESS COFFEE SHOP: Another older diner at Fifth and Jessie streets, at the same location as the Fosters in the earlier photo. I suspect based on the cars this image was taken in the 1930s. The Chronicle was a block away, so I'm guessing the name was a reference to the newspaper.

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THE PRESS COFFEE SHOP: Another older diner at Fifth and Jessie streets, at the same location as the Fosters in the earlier photo. I suspect based on the cars this image was taken in the 1930s. The Chronicle was a block away, so I'm guessing the name was a reference to the newspaper.

THE PRESS COFFEE SHOP: Another older diner at Fifth and Jessie...streets, at the same location as the Fosters in the earlier photo. I...suspect based on the cars this image was taken in the 1930s. The...Chronicle was a block away, so I'm guessing the name was a reference...to the newspaper.

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Peter Hartlaub / The Chronicle

THE PRESS COFFEE SHOP (NOW): The diner has changed hands a couple of times, but the Oakwood Hotel remains. (Although considerably more run-down in 2013.) In the 12 years I've worked at the Chronicle, this area has improved considerably.

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THE PRESS COFFEE SHOP (NOW): The diner has changed hands a couple of times, but the Oakwood Hotel remains. (Although considerably more run-down in 2013.) In the 12 years I've worked at the Chronicle, this area has improved considerably.

THE PRESS COFFEE SHOP (NOW): The diner has changed hands a couple of...times, but the Oakwood Hotel remains. (Although considerably more...run-down in 2013.) In the 12 years I've worked at the Chronicle, this...area has improved considerably.

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Susan Gilbert / The Chronicle

HIPPO BURGER: The interior of Hippo Restaurant, one of the most requested San Francisco restaurants. The Chronicle doesn't have an exterior photo, but we have a good shot of this hippo ass sculpture. Pictured in 1983.

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HIPPO BURGER: The interior of Hippo Restaurant, one of the most requested San Francisco restaurants. The Chronicle doesn't have an exterior photo, but we have a good shot of this hippo ass sculpture. Pictured in 1983.

HIPPO BURGER: The interior of Hippo Restaurant, one of the most...requested San Francisco restaurants. The Chronicle doesn't have an...exterior photo, but we have a good shot of this hippo ass sculpture....Pictured in 1983.

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Chronicle file

DOGGIE DINER: Manager David Duffy and John Wisecup at the last Doggie Diner on 10th and Mission Streets.

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DOGGIE DINER: Manager David Duffy and John Wisecup at the last Doggie Diner on 10th and Mission Streets.

DOGGIE DINER: Manager David Duffy and John Wisecup at the last Doggie...Diner on 10th and Mission Streets.

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The Chronicle

TIC TOCK DRIVE IN: Lots of requests for Tic Tock, so we're adding this one late. Thanks to Chronicle librarian Bill Van Niekerken, who had the photo on his desk. The Tic Tock had multiple locations in SF. A murder was committed in the parking lot before this April 19, 1965 photo was taken.

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TIC TOCK DRIVE IN: Lots of requests for Tic Tock, so we're adding this one late. Thanks to Chronicle librarian Bill Van Niekerken, who had the photo on his desk. The Tic Tock had multiple locations in SF. A murder was committed in the parking lot before this April 19, 1965 photo was taken.

TIC TOCK DRIVE IN: Lots of requests for Tic Tock, so we're adding this...one late. Thanks to Chronicle librarian Bill Van Niekerken, who had...the photo on his desk. The Tic Tock had multiple locations in SF. A...murder was committed in the parking lot before this April 19, 1965...photo was taken.

I felt more than a little sad when I learned that the last Lyon’s restaurant closed last year. Easily 70 percent of the stupid things I did in high school either happened at Lyon’s in Millbrae, or an eventful night ended with a too-charred burger there.

I love diners, and the Bay Area has had some really good ones. This is a tribute to the lost diners of the Bay Area — originals and chains that served us well from the 1930s until the 2000s. I’ve defined “diner” loosely, including coffee shops, sit-down hamburger joints and cafeterias. Apologies if I missed your favorite. The Chronicle archives is heavy on old diners that were within short walking distance from the newsroom at 5th and Mission streets.

Some of the regional chains, including Zim’s and Fosters, had 20 or more locations in the Bay Area. Living in Burlingame, the two diners we went to the most were national chains, Lyons and Sambo’s (I didn’t dream that? There really was a diner called Sambo’s?!?)

I limited the list to diners that are gone — we’ll pay tribute to some of the survivors, including Mel’s and Merritt Bakery, another time.

A few more thoughts below Zim’s Hamburgers …

morgue07_diners_zims

Jerry Telfer/The Chronicle 1978

* When I get my time machine working, the first old diner I’m going to visit is probably Zim’s. (Right before I head to Seals Stadium.) It kills me that I had a driver’s license in the late 1980s and early 1990s, but didn’t think to try a Zimburger before it was too late.

* Shooting the “now” shots for Then and Now galleries is one of my favorite Chronicle duties. This one got a little depressing, though. As I mentioned in a slide, there was one photo on Turk Street near Market where I was half a block from paydirt, but decided not to take the photo because there was a thug symposium convening across the street. That said …

* Disclaimer: My intention with these galleries is never to stoke the argument of cranky residents who think San Francisco has gone to hell. It was a great place to live then. It’s a great place to live now, for different but equally compelling reasons. If you miss the old diners, I suggest you direct that energy toward patronizing one of the survivors so we can keep them alive. My family will be heading to Merritt Bakery in Oakland this weekend …

PETER HARTLAUB is the pop culture critic at the San Francisco Chronicle and founder/editor of The Big Event. He takes requests. Contact him at phartlaub@sfchronicle.com. Follow him on Twitter @PeterHartlaub. Follow The Big Event on Facebook.